We’re thrilled with the media turnout for the 25 winners of the 2026 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence. TV cameras and news reporters showed up to cover the celebrations for these outstanding high school skilled trades teachers. This year’s winners come from 18 states, including our first winners from New Mexico, Massachusetts, South Carolina, and South Dakota. A full list of winners is here.
Below is a selection of our favorite news stories from this prize season.
Grant Engel – Iowa
Rock Rapids Shop Teacher Engel Surprised with $75,000, NwestIowa.com, Oct 6, 2026
“I could not have done all the projects that we’ve ever done in the skilled trades program if it wasn’t for the students,” Engel said. “That’s always been my main goal, to care for the students, to give them a good opportunity to learn. You guys have always been my motivation from getting out of the trades to becoming a teacher. The students have always been my goal.”
Gregory Kraus Jr. – California
Bright Spot: Riverside County Teacher Wins $100,000, KNBC, October 7, 2026
Kraus said, “I didn’t really realize exactly what had happened until I saw the Harbor Freight toolbox with the giant check on it… and then it clicked!” Talk about perseverance, Kraus previously applied for the prize eight times and won on his ninth try.
Pam Allen – Wisconsin
Teachers Recognized for Excellence in Skilled Trades Education, Channel 3000, Sept 29, 2026
“Miss Allen’s always there to correct you and put you right back on the straight path,” said Derek K., a Mount Horeb High School senior. “It’s awesome to have her around. She’s probably my favorite teacher in the school. She’s helped me look into college programs for next year, so she’s put me on a path toward my future.”
Mario Lizarraga – California
KHSD Rock Teacher Surprise Check Presentation, KGET (NBC) 17 News at Sunrise
Mario Lizarraga, an instructor at the Kern High School District’s Regional Occupational Center, has won the $100,000 grand prize from Harbor Freight Tools for Schools. Lizarraga is the first Kern County educator to win the top award.
Tyson Smith – Idaho
Payette Teacher Surprised with $75,000 Award, KBOI CBS News at Midday, Sept 30, 2026
Smith said, “Funding like this helps bridge that gap to be able to provide all those things and opportunities for the students, so I think this is huge!”
Smith’s agricultural teacher was also present at the surprise celebration. Of him, Smith said, “He’s the reason I went into ag education, so it means a lot seeing him here. And I hope I have students that feel that passionate about it and have that relationship with me later in life.”
Tyler Chrystal – Massachusetts
West Springfield Teacher Wins $75K National Teaching Prize, WWLP, Sept 29, 2026
Donald Jarvis, principal of the Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative, praised the achievement and its broader impact. “Not only for Massachusetts being the first person being able to get this award, but also for our school, for the program and for our students and for me, I think it shows how great our staff are,” Jarvis said.
